UNLESS my eyes are deceiving me, the medal keeper Ron Springett and the rest of the 1966 World Cup-winning squad picked up last week is nothing like the original the 11 on the pitch got 43 years ago.

A quick hit on an images search engine will show the medal handed to QPR hero Springett at a Downing Street reception is at odds with the one sold by Fulham legend George Cohen 10 years ago.

The left-back was part of the red brigade that did get a gong for beating West Germany 4-2 on that memorable July afternoon. But Cohen's is smaller and shield-shaped; Springett's is round and VERY golden. A minor point?

This paper campaigned vigorously over the last 18 months that FIFA should get a move on once it was known the England squad members would receive belated awards.

After all, Springett is 74 on July 22.

We were told by headquarters on high in Zurich that it took time to die-cast the new medals in the SAME image as the originals.

How long do you need to recreate a medal that looks nothing like the original?

The answer, before some wise-guy e-mails me, is clearly the best part of two years.

Fourth gear is clearly not an option in sleepy Switzerland.

I'm delighted the likes of Springett and Jimmy Greaves have finally been recognised - but it would have been a lot better had they got the same awards as Cohen and co - and not something from a distance that looks like a chocolate coin.